Tooth decay happens when the things that harm your teeth outweigh the things that protect them. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugar and produce acid, and repeated acid attacks gradually

weaken the tooth surface.

• Risk goes up with frequent snacking, sugary food and drink, poor cleaning, and a dry

mouth.

• Sugar hides in many everyday foods, including cereals, bread and sauces, not just sweets.

• Very early decay can sometimes be stopped before it becomes a hole, so regular check-ups matter.

• Once a cavity forms, a filling is usually needed to replace the damaged part of the tooth.

Read more: Tooth decay (teeth.org.au)

Gum disease is inflammation of the tissue that supports your teeth. It comes in two main forms.

• Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form. Plaque left on the teeth makes the gums red, swollen and prone to bleeding.

• Periodontitis is the more serious form. It involves destructive bacteria and loss of the bone that holds teeth in place, which can create pockets around the teeth.

• Smoking and a family history of gum disease raise the risk.

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are worth mentioning to your dentist.

Read more: Let’s talk about gums (teeth.org.au)

Good daily habits are the foundation of oral health.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes, once in the morning and once at night.

• Use a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Spit out the toothpaste afterwards rather than rinsing with water, so the fluoride keeps

working.

• Avoid food and drink after brushing at night.

• Floss once a day. Brushing alone cannot reach all tooth surfaces, so flossing covers the

gaps in between. The ADA also suggests flossing before brushing.

Read more: Brushing teeth (teeth.org.au)

Oral Health Guide | Page 2

Fluoride strengthens teeth against the acid produced by plaque bacteria. The main sources are

fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated tap water. Fluoride mouthwashes are also available, and

dental professionals can apply fluoride varnish or gel for extra protection.

Read more: Fluoride and water (teeth.org.au)

Children’s teeth need extra help because young children cannot clean them well on their own.

• Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

• Parents and carers should brush and floss for young children and keep helping until

around 8 to 9 years of age.

• Floss wherever two teeth touch.

• Older children (over six) can move to adult-strength or 6+ fluoride toothpaste.

Read more: Children’s oral health factsheet (teeth.org.au)

Tooth sensitivity can often be managed with good habits. Brush twice a day with fluoride

toothpaste, floss daily, and avoid pressing too hard when you brush. If sensitivity continues,

see your dentist to find the cause.

Read more: Sensitive teeth (teeth.org.au)

Accidents can crack, chip or loosen teeth, or knock them out completely. Acting quickly can

save a tooth.

• A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back in the mouth. Stay calm and take the

tooth and your child to a dentist.

• A knocked-out adult tooth needs to go back into the mouth as soon as possible, then see

a dentist urgently.

• See a dentist promptly after any injury to the teeth or face, even if you cannot see obvious

damage.

Read more: Dental trauma (teeth.org.au)

Oral health is closely linked to general health.

• Smoking raises the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. Quitting is the best

step for your mouth.

• Diabetes and gum disease affect each other: diabetes increases the risk of severe gum

disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.

• Pregnancy can affect the gums, so keep up regular dental care.

Read more: Smoking (teeth.org.au)

Read more: Diabetes (teeth.org.au)

Oral Health Guide | Page 3

Read more: Pregnancy (teeth.org.au)